New Brunswick's Front License Plate Requirement

As of July 15, 2019, front license plates are no longer required in the Canadian province of New Brunswick. The New Brunswick government eliminated the requirement for front plates on passenger and light commercial vehicles under the Motor Vehicle Act. This change does not apply to vehicles with a gross mass of 4,500 kg or more, such as tractor trailers, buses, school buses, fire trucks, dump trucks, and bucket trucks, which must still display both front and back plates.

The history of license plates in New Brunswick

The Canadian province of New Brunswick has a long history of vehicle registration and license plate usage. Here is a detailed overview of the history of license plates in the province:

The Early Years (1905-1910):

In 1905, New Brunswick introduced its first act regulating cars, requiring residents to register their motor vehicles. At this time, vehicle owners were responsible for creating their own license plates, typically made from wood, metal, or leather. These early plates had to display the initials "NB" and feature black characters on a white background. By the end of 1910, there were 299 registered vehicles in the province.

Provincially-Issued Plates (1911 onwards):

In 1911, the province began issuing annual license plates to vehicle owners. The first provincially-issued plates were made of porcelain and featured black serial numbers on a white background with "1911" and "NB" on the left and right sides, respectively. Registrants who had paid their license tax to the Provincial Board of Works received a slightly smaller 6 x 10-inch license plate. This marked the beginning of standardized license plates in New Brunswick.

Annual Updates (1912-1917):

Each year from 1912 to 1917, the province introduced new designs for its license plates, experimenting with different colors and styles. For instance, the 1912 plates featured red-orange serial numbers on a white porcelain background, while the 1913 plates used black serial numbers on a yellow porcelain background. During this period, the province also saw a steady increase in vehicle registrations, surpassing 1,000 in 1914 and reaching nearly 5,000 in 1917.

Standardization and Changes (1949-2024):

In 1949, New Brunswick introduced a new license plate design that complied with the standardized size agreement reached between Canada, the United States, and Mexico in 1956. This agreement set the standard size for license plates at 6 inches in height and 12 inches in width. Since 2024, the New Brunswick Department of Justice and Public Safety has been responsible for issuing license plates through its Motor Vehicle Branch.

Today, only rear license plates are required on all vehicles in New Brunswick, with the requirement for front plates being eliminated in July 2019. The license plate designs have evolved over the years, incorporating different colors, materials, and security features to meet the needs of the province and its vehicle owners.

The current requirement for front license plates in New Brunswick

The Canadian province of New Brunswick has not required its residents to display front license plates on their vehicles since July 15, 2019. This change in legislation was approved by the government under the Motor Vehicle Act and applies to passenger and light commercial vehicles that weigh less than 4,500 kilograms.

The current requirement is that vehicles must display a license plate on the back. However, certain vehicles are exempt from this change and must still display both front and back license plates. These include tractor trailers, buses, school buses, fire trucks, dump trucks, and bucket trucks.

The decision to eliminate the requirement for front license plates was influenced by cost-saving measures and the desire to spare vehicle owners the annoyance of having front plates. Despite some criticism from law enforcement officers and bus drivers, who argue that front plates are a valuable tool for identification and public safety, the change was described as a reason for celebration by the People's Alliance Leader Kris Austin.

Vehicle owners in New Brunswick who wish to dispose of their front license plates can do so by taking them to their nearest Service New Brunswick Centre for proper disposal.

The safety concerns surrounding the removal of front license plates

The Canadian province of New Brunswick has removed the requirement for front license plates on passenger and light commercial vehicles, effective July 15, 2019. While this change was made to spare vehicle owners ""the annoyance" of front plates, it has also sparked safety concerns among law enforcement and school bus drivers. Here are some of the safety concerns surrounding the removal of front license plates:

Law Enforcement Challenges

Law enforcement officers in New Brunswick have expressed concerns that the removal of front license plates will hinder their ability to effectively identify and apprehend lawbreakers. Front license plates have been crucial in amber alerts, national security emergencies, and stolen vehicle cases. In addition, the absence of front plates may make it more challenging for police to identify and prosecute drivers who commit hit-and-run crashes or illegally pass school buses.

Complications for School Bus Drivers

School bus drivers already have the critical task of ensuring the safety of children getting on and off the bus. With the removal of front license plates, their job becomes more complicated. Now, in addition to focusing on the safety of the children, bus drivers will also need to try to get a description of the vehicle and the driver when an offence occurs, such as a driver illegally passing a stopped school bus. This can make prosecuting these serious offences more difficult.

Increased Risk of Offences

The removal of front license plates may lead to an increase in certain types of offences. For example, the number of drivers who illegally pass school buses is already considered to have reached "epidemic" proportions, and removing the front plates may make it easier for these offenders to go unidentified.

Vehicle Design Challenges

Public Safety Minister Carl Urquhart acknowledged that most vehicles are no longer designed with front license plates in mind, and it can be challenging to attach them properly. This can result in an increased risk of the plates falling off during busy highway driving or severe weather conditions, reducing their effectiveness for identification and safety purposes.

While the removal of front license plates in New Brunswick was intended to simplify vehicle aesthetics and reduce annoyance for vehicle owners, it has also raised valid safety concerns. These concerns primarily centre around the challenges faced by law enforcement and school bus drivers in identifying and prosecuting offenders, as well as the potential for an increase in certain types of offences.

The financial implications of the change

Since July 2019, New Brunswick has not required a front license plate for passenger and light commercial vehicles weighing less than 4,500 kg. This change in legislation has had several financial implications, which are outlined below.

Government Savings

The New Brunswick government will save money by purchasing only one license plate per vehicle instead of two. Public Safety Minister Carl Urquhart stated that this change would be \"almost revenue-neutral" for the province, neither increasing nor decreasing revenue. However, he also noted that the $50 fee for two plates would remain the same for one, meaning there would be no cost savings for motorists.

Law Enforcement

The removal of front license plates will impact law enforcement's ability to identify vehicles and solve crimes. License plates aid in identifying vehicles involved in amber alerts, national security emergencies, and stolen vehicle cases. They are also useful in cases where drivers illegally pass school buses, as bus drivers can report the license plate details of offenders. Without front license plates, law enforcement may face challenges in solving certain types of cases and ensuring public safety.

Vehicle Design and Manufacturing

The absence of a front license plate requirement may impact vehicle design and manufacturing. Some vehicles are not designed with a front license plate mounting location, and manufacturers may need to compensate by cluttering other areas of the grille and front bumper. This can lead to undesirable aesthetics and interesting vehicle designs.

Toll Collection

The removal of front license plates may impact toll collection, as many toll booths utilize license plate readers to identify vehicles and collect fees. Without front license plates, there may be a decrease in revenue collection at toll booths.

Insurance Claims

License plates are essential for insurance claims, as they serve as a key element of identification. When making an insurance claim, it is crucial to provide the insurer with the correct license plate information to avoid delays and ensure a satisfactory resolution.

Vehicle Registration

The change in license plate requirements may prompt discussions about amending vehicle registration processes and fees. The People's Alliance in New Brunswick has proposed one-time registration for all privately owned passenger vehicles, but this could result in a significant loss of revenue for the province.

In summary, the removal of the front license plate requirement in New Brunswick has had a range of financial implications, from government savings on license plate purchases to potential losses in toll collection revenue. While there may be no direct cost savings for motorists, the change has impacted law enforcement, vehicle design, insurance claims, and considerations around vehicle registration processes and fees.

The process of disposing of old front license plates

Since July 15, 2019, front license plates have no longer been a requirement for passenger and light commercial vehicles in New Brunswick. However, certain vehicles, such as buses, school buses, fire trucks, dump trucks, tractor trailers, and bucket trucks, are exempt from this change and still require a front license plate in addition to the one on the back.

Now, if you have an old front license plate that you need to dispose of, here is a detailed and direct process to do so:

Research Local Requirements:

Every region has different standards for disposing of license plates. Some may allow you to recycle them, while others may require you to turn them in or destroy them. For example, in Maryland, you must submit your old plates to the DMV, either by mail or in person, for recycling or destruction. Check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or an equivalent organization to understand the specific regulations in your area.

Deface or Remove Stickers:

Before disposing of your license plate, it is crucial to erase all information on it to prevent potential theft and misuse. Use a permanent marker to cross out the plate number, or scratch the decals with a sharp object like a knife or screwdriver. Removing the stickers can be tricky, but it ensures that the plates cannot be used illegally.

Cut or Bend the Plate:

License plates are typically made of lightweight aluminum, so you can usually bend or cut them with your hands. Older plates made of iron or galvanized steel may require the use of a hammer or pliers. Bending or cutting the plate renders it unusable and easier to dispose of.

Recycle the Plate:

Most license plates are recyclable due to their aluminum content. Check with your local recycling center or scrap metal dealer to see if they accept license plates. Some cities have specific requirements for certain types of plates, so always inquire beforehand. Alternatively, you can recycle the plate through your home recycling bin if your city allows it.

Return the Plate to the DMV:

Even if your local DMV does not require you to turn in old license plates, they may still accept them for recycling or destruction. You can drop them off in person or mail them to the address provided on the DMV website. This option ensures proper disposal and may provide you with a receipt for tax or record-keeping purposes.

Craft or Sell the Plate:

If you're feeling creative, you can upcycle your old license plate into something new, like a birdhouse or a piece of art. There are plenty of ideas on sites like Pinterest. Alternatively, you can sell your plates online, especially if they are vintage or collector's editions. eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace are popular platforms for this purpose.

Remember to follow the specific regulations in your area and take the necessary steps to protect your personal information when disposing of old license plates.

Frequently asked questions